Sean Dyche feels the belief in the Everton camp has strengthened as they attempt to overcome their 10-point deduction and move out of the Premier League relegation zone.
The Toffees were handed the sanction last month for breaching rules on Profitability and Sustainability and, although they have appealed the verdict, it plunged them into the bottom three and facing a fight for survival.
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Their two games since have seen a 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester United and Saturday’s battling 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
Victory at the City Ground was Everton’s third in five league games and Dyche believes it continues an upward trend for the Merseysiders as they prepare to face Newcastle at Goodison Park tomorrow night.
Asked about the 10-point penalty, Dyche said: “It’s just noise, it’s just there. The progress has been made internally, the way the players have gone about it, the feel in the camp and the quality.
“I’ve always said we’ve got quality, the teamship and the belief in each other. As a unit, I think that’s improved, the mentality has stayed firm. They’re sticking to what they do, sticking to the belief that we’re a good outfit, and that’s what we build on.”
A recap of the latest team news from our #EVENEW press conference. 🗞
— Everton (@Everton) DECEMBER 6, 2023
Everton can move out of the relegation zone tomorrow with a win and Dyche is optimistic his team can overcome whatever is put in front of them and thrive on the pitch.
“We’ve got to earn the right to be above three teams, even as a minimum, because when you come to the Premier League it’s difficult,” he added.
“The 10 points has changed the situation. The idea of the appeal is in no-man’s land so it’s back to us to find ways to win games. It’s never ending in the Premier League. I’ve reminded the players about all of that.
“At the moment that’s the reality. I believe in the positivity in what we can do and achieve. There’s been no excuses from me about it. This is the reality, this is the challenge, let’s crack on.”
